Opening statements began Tuesday in Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial in New York, marking the third time this case has gone to trial. The former Hollywood powerbroker faces allegations of raping actress Jessica Mann in a Manhattan hotel room in 2013.
Key Takeaways
Harvey Weinstein's rape retrial began Tuesday in New York, focusing on allegations of raping actress Jessica Mann in 2013. Prosecutors argue the case hinges on power and manipulation, while defense claims it is about consent.
- Opening statements presented in Harvey Weinstein's third trial for 2013 rape charge
- Prosecution argues case focuses on 'power, control, and manipulation'
- Defense maintains innocence, emphasizing 'consent' as central to the case
- Trial expected to last up to four weeks with a jury of seven men and five women
The prosecution argued that the case hinges on 'power, control, and manipulation,' with Assistant District Attorney Candace White stating that Weinstein used his influence to exploit victims. Jacob Kaplan, Weinstein's defense attorney, countered that the case is about 'consent, choice, and regret,' echoing Weinstein's longstanding claim that his accuser recast a willing encounter as a crime.
Weinstein, now 73 years old and serving a 16-year sentence from a California conviction, denies all charges of sexual assault. The trial is expected to last up to four weeks, with a jury consisting of seven men and five women who were selected over several days last week.
The case has been closely watched as a bellwether for the #MeToo movement, which gained momentum nearly a decade ago following public accusations against Weinstein. Previous trials have resulted in mixed verdicts, including convictions for some sexual assault charges and acquittals for others. The current trial focuses on a rape charge that previously resulted in an overturned conviction and a jury deadlock.
Weinstein's accuser, Jessica Mann, was 27 years old when she met Weinstein at a Los Angeles-area party in early 2013. She testified during previous trials that she sought professional connections but ended up in a consensual relationship with the then-married Weinstein. According to her prior testimony, during a New York trip in March 2013, Weinstein trapped her in a hotel room, ignored her protests, and forced himself on her.
White told jurors that Weinstein 'was used to getting his way,' emphasizing how power dynamics played into the alleged assault. Despite switching legal teams for this retrial, Weinstein's new attorneys are echoing previous defense strategies. Kaplan highlighted that after the alleged incident, Mann continued seeing Weinstein and sought career assistance from him.
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